Dinah Lee - Don’t You Just Know It (1965)

(Vincent - Smith)
New Zealand

Powerful, energetic New Zealand singer known as “The Dynamic” Dinah Lee, an admirer of Dee Dee Sharp and Millie Small, born Diane Jacobs in 1943.

Her rocking versions of astutely chosen songs and her cutting-edge mod image made her extremely popular in New Zealand and Australia in the mid-60s. For a full account and appreciation see Milesago.

Dinah Lee had a hit with another Vincent–Smith composition recorded by Huey “Piano” Smith, Don’t You Know Yockomo.

Don’t You Just Know It was also recorded in Australia by Frankie Davidson (1966).

The Fendermen - Don’t You Just Know It (1960)

(Vincent - Smith)
USA
#110 USA #22 Sydney #9 Melbourne #40 Brisbane

Single on Soma by vocals and guitar duo from Wisconsin. Phil Humphrey (1937-2016) and Jim Sundquist (1937-2013), born on the same day in 1937, met at the University of Wisconsin.

They are best known for their hit Mule Skinner Blues (1960 #5 USA, #32 UK, #2 Australia, #3 NZ).

Further reading: Fendermen at Wikipedia and Discogs.com, US chart data from Joel Whitburn.

Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns - Don’t You Just Know It (1958)

(Vincent - Smith)
USA
Original version
#9 USA #17 Sydney #24 Adelaide [5AD]

Single on Ace by classic New Orleans R&B singer-pianist-composer and session musician (1934-2023) influenced by the likes of Professor Longhair and Fats Domino.

Don’t You Just Know It was Huey “Piano” Smith’s biggest hit on the pop charts and has been recorded by numerous other artists, but his Rocking Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu (1957 #52 USA) is possibly even better known: 95 versions are listed at secondhandsongs.com.

Co-written by Ace founder and producer Johnny Vincent.

Further reading: Huey “Piano” Smith Biography by Steve Huey at All Music.

Dinah Lee - Don’t You Just Know It (1965)

The Fendermen - Don’t You Just Know It (1960)

Huey ‘Piano’ Smith & The Clowns - Don’t You Just Know It (1958)

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